title: Increased hot flash severity and related interference in perimenopausal human immunodeficiency virus-infected women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  As women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are living longer, more are entering perimenopause. Prior studies suggest that HIV-infected women are more likely to have hot flashes than non-HIV-infected women. However, little is known regarding hot flash severity and hot flash-related interference with daily function, mood, and quality of life in this population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Perimenopausal HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected women matched by age, race, and menstrual patterns completed the Menopause Rating Scale (to assess hot flash severity) and the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS). Menopause Rating Scale and HFRDIS scores and subscores were compared between the groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-three HIV-infected women and 33 non-HIV-infected women who were similar in age (median [interquartile range], 47 [45-48] vs 47 [46-49] y), race (64% vs 52% nonwhite, P = 0.32), and menstrual patterns (number of periods in the past year; 5 [4-9] vs 6 [4-10], P = 0.53) were studied. Perimenopausal HIV-infected women reported greater hot flash severity (HIV vs non-HIV: 2 [1-3] vs 1 [0-3], P = 0.03) and hot flash-related interference (HFRDIS total score, 37 [10-60] vs 6 [0-20], P = 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Perimenopausal HIV-infected women experience greater hot flash severity and related interference compared with non-HIV-infected perimenopausal women. Increased distress secondary to hot flashes may reduce quality of life and negatively impact important health-promoting behaviors, including adherence to antiretroviral therapy, in HIV-infected women.
authors.affiliation: From the 1Massachusetts General Hospital Program in Nutritional Metabolism, Boston, MA; 2Massachusetts General Hospital Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston, MA; 3Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, MA; and 4Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women's Mental Health, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Sara E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Looby
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shifren
authors.forename: Inge
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Corless
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rope
authors.forename: Maria C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.forename: Hadine
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Joffe
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grinspoon
mesh_terms: D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D047648:Perimenopause; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires